What does STRAY mean?

Stray

Parts of Speech: Verb, Adjective

Definitions:

1. (verb) To wander away from a place or group, to become lost or separated.
2. (verb) To move away from the correct course or subject.
3. (adjective) Having wandered away from a place or group, lost or separated.

Pronunciations:

• US: /streɪ/
• UK: /streɪ/

Origin and Usage:

The word "stray" originated from the Old French word "estrayer" which means "to wander". It has been used since the 14th century. The verb "stray" is commonly used to describe an animal wandering away from its owner or herd. The adjective "stray" is used to describe something that has wandered away or become separated from its group or intended path.

Synonyms:

• (verb) Wander, roam, drift, meander, deviate
• (adjective) Lost, separated, wayward, errant, stray

Related Words:

• Stare
• Stays
• Strap
• Strew
• StudY

Example Sentences:

1. The dog strayed from its owner and got lost.
2. He strayed from the topic and started talking about something else.
3. The stray cat wandered into the yard looking for food.